What about dodgy genes?

I hear you! I’ve got those concerns. I have a family history of alcoholism, mood issues, cardiovascular problems and cancer. But I also have a number of centenarians or near centenarians in my family tree, so hopefully I got the ‘good’ genes. Either way, in most instances, our genetics don’t predetermine our health and lifespan. In rare cases they do, but for most of us it can be a little more complicated. We used to think that one gene would determine one disease, but scientists have learned so much more about genetics in the past 30 years or so.

There was a time back in the 1990’s when scientists thought that by sequencing the human genetic code, they would be able to unravel the mysteries of disease. It was such a lofty and worthy goal, and it would have been amazing if it had solved the genetic piece of the health puzzle. Unfortunately, the sequencing of the genome created more questions than answers. Turns out most diseases are not caused by a single gene, or even by a number of genetic factors. They are caused by the complex interplay between genes and the environment in which these genes exist, both the internal and external impacts. Epigenetics is the name given to the study of these impacts on the expression of genes. And it’s of little surprise that diet and lifestyle were found to be two of the biggest factors influencing epigenetic changes, which changes can ultimately lead to poor health. Over time more articles will be added here to help explain the interplay between genes and our health.

Epigenetics

The Power of WHY

For any of you who have, or have had little kids, you will know that the question “why” can become very tiresome. I remember one

Read More »
Epigenetics

Signs of Autoimmunity

Autoimmune disease is on the rise, just like many other chronic health issues of the 21st Century. It is estimated that around 5% of Australian’s

Read More »

I hear you! I’ve got those concerns. I have a family history of alcoholism, mood issues, cardiovascular problems and cancer. But I also have a number of centenarians or near centenarians in my family tree, so hopefully I got the ‘good’ genes. Either way, in most instances, our genetics don’t predetermine our health and lifespan. In rare cases they do, but for most of us it can be a little more complicated. We used to think that one gene would determine one disease, but scientists have learned so much more about genetics in the past 30 years or so.

There was a time back in the 1990’s when scientists thought that by sequencing the human genetic code, they would be able to unravel the mysteries of disease. It was such a lofty and worthy goal, and it would have been amazing if it had solved the genetic piece of the health puzzle. Unfortunately, the sequencing of the genome created more questions than answers. Turns out most diseases are not caused by a single gene, or even by a number of genetic factors. They are caused by the complex interplay between genes and the environment in which these genes exist, both the internal and external impacts. Epigenetics is the name given to the study of these impacts on the expression of genes. And it’s of little surprise that diet and lifestyle were found to be two of the biggest factors influencing epigenetic changes, which changes can ultimately lead to poor health. Over time more articles will be added here to help explain the interplay between genes and our health.

7 tips for improving genetic expression

Clean up your diet. Eat organic where you can. The Environmental Working Group in the USA has produced a list of their clean fifteen and dirty dozen foods. These lists give recommendations of which food are least likely to be impacted by pesticides, and which foods are

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The Power That Comes from Genetic Testing

If you want to know more about your genetic makeup, there are some great options available now. The cost of carrying out testing has decreased over the past 10 years and is now available to the general public at a very reasonable cost. This helps

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13 Factors That Influence our Genetic Expression

There are a number of diseases that are 100% impacted by genetics. These are known as Mendelian Inheritance Diseases; such Sickle Cell Disease, which is a single gene disorder. If you have the gene, you will have the Disease. Other conditions can be from changes

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The Power of WHY

For any of you who have, or have had little kids, you will know that the question “why” can become very tiresome. I remember one of my kids was in the habit of asking ‘why’, even before I finished responding to the previous question. Why

Read More »

Signs of Autoimmunity

Autoimmune disease is on the rise, just like many other chronic health issues of the 21st Century. It is estimated that around 5% of Australian’s experience some type of autoimmune condition. That is over a million people, and alarmingly, 75% of those living with autoimmunity

Read More »